Metrology Engineering Technician- 1st Shift

Karman Space & Defense; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Life and AD&D insurance

Short- and long-term disability

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a Metrology Engineering Technician to lead precision dimensional inspection in a 5-axis machining environment. You will develop accurate inspection programs, enable operator independence, and ensure measurement repeatability that supports AS9100 compliance and customer requirements.

You will program CMMs and portable arms (Verisurf preferred), create fixture strategies, and train inspectors.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5–10 years of metrology experience in machining or aerospace.
• Proficient in programming coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and portable arms; Verisurf preferred.
• Strong geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) knowledge under ASME Y14.5.
• Experience with HighQA or similar inspection documentation software.
• AS9102 First Article Inspection experience.

Responsibilities

• Programs, operates, and maintains coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and portable measurement systems.
• Develops and validates inspection programs using Verisurf software.
• Creates part setup plans, datum strategies, and fixturing methods to ensure accurate measurement.
• Establishes inspection sequencing aligned with machining processes.
• Performs dimensional inspections, including AS9102 First Article Inspections.
• Builds and maintains inspection documentation and ballooned drawings in HighQA.
• Trains inspectors and machinists on CMM and portable arm program execution.
• Documents nonconformances and supports root cause and corrective action activities.
• Collaborates with Engineering and Machining to incorporate inspection requirements early in development.
• Maintains compliance with AS9100 and customer quality standards.

Skills

Metrology

CMM Programming

GD&T

Inspection Documentation

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Verisurf

HighQA

Job description

Metrology Engineering Technician

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Space and Launch business, which has contributed to the nation’s space programs for decades by delivering complete solutions from concept to flight. We enable successful space operations with mission‑critical technology supporting every step from first launch to final landing, including launch vehicle subsystems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic and interstage systems, and payload protection and deployment. Our high-performance solutions are engineered to operate in the most extreme environments and meet precise mission requirements.

The Metrology Engineering Technician supports precise dimensional inspection of complex, mission‑critical space hardware produced in a 5‑axis machining environment. The role focuses on developing accurate, repeatable inspection programs, enabling operator independence, and ensuring consistent measurement results that support efficient part flow. Working closely with machining, engineering, and quality teams, this position helps drive robust inspection processes that maintain compliance with AS9100 standards and customer requirements.

Schedule

Full-time, on-site, Monday–Friday, 1st shift

Responsibilities

• Programs, operates, and maintains coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and portable measurement systems.
• Develops and validates inspection programs using Verisurf software.
• Creates part setup plans, datum strategies, and fixturing methods to ensure accurate measurement.
• Establishes inspection sequencing aligned with machining processes.
• Performs dimensional inspections, including AS9102 First Article Inspections.
• Builds and maintains inspection documentation and ballooned drawings in HighQA.
• Trains inspectors and machinists on CMM and portable arm program execution.
• Documents nonconformances and supports root cause and corrective action activities.
• Collaborates with Engineering and Machining to incorporate inspection requirements early in development.
• Maintains compliance with AS9100 and customer quality standards.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5–10 years of metrology experience in machining or aerospace.
• Demonstrated proficiency programming coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and portable arms; Verisurf preferred.
• Strong geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) knowledge under ASME Y14.5.
• Experience with HighQA or similar inspection documentation software.
• AS9102 First Article Inspection experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Blue light or laser scanning experience.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short-and-long‑term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.